Bullying Can Be a Crime – Recognizing Emergencies Is Crucial

It’s important to talk with children and young people about the importance of making an emergency call. For example, physical violence is always a crime, even if it’s referred to as school bullying. An ongoing violent situation is always a reason to call the emergency number 112.
As the school year begins, it’s important to talk with children and young people about everyday safety and how to recognize emergency situations. School commutes, encounters with other youth, and hobbies are part of young people’s lives, but they may also face new situations where it’s important to turn to an adult. It’s especially important to emphasize that emergencies are never the child’s responsibility, and that’s why an emergency call to 112 should be made without delay.
When discussing how to recognize emergencies, it’s also important to talk about school bullying. Unfortunately, the start of school is not a joyful time for everyone, and for those who have been bullied, returning to school can feel difficult. It’s essential to talk about bullying and to remind everyone that bullying can be a crime – and sometimes even an emergency.
– Bullying is actually quite often a crime. Physical violence is always a crime. Bullying can also continue on social media, and for example, spreading rumors about someone may constitute defamation. Distributing information that violates someone’s privacy may also be relevant, says Senior Constable Jonna Finell from the police’s Koulu25 team.
It’s important to talk with children and young people about the importance of making an emergency call. For example, physical violence is always a crime, even if it’s referred to as school bullying. An ongoing violent situation is always a reason to call the emergency number 112.
Bullying Is Never the Victim’s Fault
It’s important to discuss difficult topics in a way that’s appropriate for the child’s age. The key message is that, for example, a threatening situation is not the child’s responsibility, and they should immediately talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher. It’s especially important to encourage those who are being bullied to speak up.
– Bullying is never the victim’s fault. If you have been bullied, it’s important to talk to a trusted adult. If you can’t find a safe adult, you can also contact the police directly, for example through social media, Finell encourages.
In an Urgent Emergency – Call 112
Call the emergency number:
• when you encounter an emergency or urgently need help from authorities on site
• when you know or suspect that life, health, property, or the environment is threatened or in danger
The emergency number is answered with “Hätäkeskus – Nödcentralen”. During the emergency call, it’s important to listen and answer the questions.
See also
Social emergencies require time
Fourteen-Year-Old’s Actions Prevented Greater Damage
Speed of action and location information are crucial in water rescues
Emergencies and problem situations abroad – This is what you should do
Only approximately half of Finns know that the emergency number 112 works in all EU countries. When you call 112 in an EU member state, the call is always routed to a local emergency response centre.
Social emergencies require time
The Emergency Response Centre Agency also forwards tasks to social and crisis emergency services. In 2024, the number of these tasks increased by 4 percentage points compared to the previous year, overtaking the number of tasks forwarded to rescue services.
Fourteen-Year-Old’s Actions Prevented Greater Damage
Juho Karkiainen’s response to observing smoke and his courage to make an emergency call enabled the containment of a wildfire at an early stage. Thanks to Juho, the emergency response center was able to issue a rapid alert and relay crucial additional information to the rescue services.
Bullying Can Be a Crime – Recognizing Emergencies Is Crucial
It’s important to talk with children and young people about the importance of making an emergency call. For example, physical violence is always a crime, even if it’s referred to as school bullying. An ongoing violent situation is always a reason to call the emergency number 112.
Speed of action and location information are crucial in water rescues
In recent weeks, there has been a significantly higher number of drownings and serious near-miss incidents at public beaches than usual. Recognizing the situation and calling for help quickly is critical when someone ends up in the water. A drowning person is rarely able to call for help, which highlights the importance of others in noticing the emergency.